[39] At the time, the Dockyard employed 'some 1,600 industrial and non-industrial staff'. She displaced 14,780 long tons (15,020t) at normal load and 15,588 long tons (15,838t) at deep load. She served most of her active career in the Mediterranean Sea, where her low freeboard was less of a disadvantage. Portland offers one of the best shore on the South Coast with Chesil Cove being the highlight for many pleasurable scenic dives full of marine life. [86] In addition to this a World War II pillbox, with a possible machine gun post, is located at Upper Osprey. However at 03:45 on the 4 th November 1979 she took on too much water and sank 5 miles south of St Aldhelm's Head, still 12 miles from the safety of Portland. It is generally accepted that she sunk after diving with the hangar doors open (as they are today). It is badly broken up with large pieces of machinery present and lying in a rock shingle sea bed. [10] The breakwaters were declared complete by HRH Edward the Prince of Wales on 10 August 1872. [3], The lower freeboard was required by her use of armoured gun turretsa heavy type of rotating gun mounting of the mid-and-late 19th century very different from what would later be known as "turrets". SMB Required. Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. It covered the middle 250 feet (76.2m) of the ship and was 8.5 feet (2.6m) high of which 5feet 6inches (1.7m) was below the waterline at normal load. read more Shore Diving Portland offers one of the best shore on the South Coast with Chesil Cove being the highlight for many pleasurable scenic dives full of marine life. Portland Harbour was built by the Admiralty as a facility for the Royal Navy (though access was also available to merchant ships);[3] on 11 December 1923 it was formally designated HM Naval Base (HMNB) Portland,[4] and continued to serve as such until closure in 1995. The Verne Citadel, designed by Captain Crosman R.E., was built at Verne Hill between 1860-81: the 56 acre fortress was designed for 1000 troops and had gun emplacements facing seawards on three sides. Given the depth and limited tidal range, the predominant habitat within the Harbour is one that is truly marine. [45], The Harbour was sold off by the Royal Navy in 1996 allowing it to be used as both a centre for water sports and as a service facility for Channel shipping. Going out on a bearing of 240 degrees right under slipway can be rewarding and lead to depths in excess of 17 to 18 metres. to British and foreign naval vessels. Entry into the water should be made from the slipway towards the Cove Pub as this area is reserved mainly for divers. The wreck was discovered in 1998 some 7 miles sout of Worbarrow Tout. Youll find vast information on Portland dive sites from local boat operators. This area is marked with the large yellow buoys after the Hood entrance to the harbour and has a maximum depth of about 25 metres with a straight bottom layout. Having defied an 11-month salvage attempt after its sinking, this undamaged and unique wreck has become a popular dive site in the waters of Lyme Bay. In April 1909, the ship was refitted and partially stripped at Devonport, after which she began service as a receiving ship at Queenstown, Ireland. Countess of Erne (7 to 15m). This small landing craft lies beside the Breakwater wall and close to the Bombardon unit. By 1913 the battery's armament included four 12-pounder guns and a 6-inch breech-loading (BL) Mk. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. Commercial activities on the land of the dock estate include fuel storage, natural gas storage, several engineering facilities and a shell fish specialist. Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. [28], The increasing threat of conflict with Germany before the Great War erupted saw the arrival of the Dreadnoughts in Portland, while seaplanes began to operate in Portland's skies. SS PREVEZA AND SALVAGE TUG ASHORE AT CHESIL COVE JAN 15TH 1920, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL DRAMATIC STORY BEHIND THIS ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED ON 4TH JUNE 1949. TREGUIER TO LE HAVRE. There is a small area of inter-tidal habitat, particularly on the northern and western shores. The wreck lies turtle, twisted, and her highest point off the sea bed is about seven metres. Construction of the harbour began in 1849; when completed in 1872, its 520-hectare (1,300-acre) surface area made it the largest human-made harbour in the world,[1] and remains one of the largest in the world today. These last five tubes were all above water. Following the end of the war, Portland's role in the liberation of Europe was marked by a ceremony in August 1945, when the American Ambassador John D. Winant unveiled a stone in Victoria Gardens commemorating the passing by the spot of 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles the previous June. Repairs took only two days, and the ship left Sheerness for the Mediterranean on 18 June 1893. It is an interesting dive that leads to the wheel house and exposed engine at the stern. WRECK ON CHESIL BEACH (DOROTHEA) FEBRUARY 14TH 1914. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. This site offers some of the most enchanting sea life scenes in the area and is the spot where authors of this site first witnessed the Dance of the Cuttlefish, an amazing scene involving a dozen cuttlefish swaying in one place replicating the colours of each other. Below the armoured deck their armour was reduced to 11 inches (279mm). sites in the waters around Portland ranging from Lulworth? At times this area is used by local and visiting dive schools to conduct recreational deep dive training where standards require a depth deeper than 18 metres. In its entirety, the Harbour is an ecosystem of very high importance including a number of nationally important habitats and species. In September 1914 while being towed to Portland she listed and sank with the loss of 21 souls. PORTLAND, Ore. A driver died after crashing on NE Marine Drive early Monday morning, according to Portland police. [51] In addition to this, The 'E' section of the battery is Grade II Listed and has become a scheduled monument too. The Countess of Erne is probably the most popular dive-site in Portland Harbour. [25] The nearby Royal Naval Hospital in Castletown served the naval base from 1904 (replacing an earlier small hospital) until 1957, when it was handed over to the NHS. ALL 160 PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED. [26], The development of both the torpedo and the submarine led to Portland Harbour becoming a centre for research into underwater warfare, beginning with the establishment of Robert Whitehead's Torpedo Works at Wyke Regis in 1891. This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. Other causes of shipwrecks include mechanical failure and rough coastal weather on unforgiving rocky shores. WebDONATE. [76], The Weymouth end breakwater features the C Pier Head Battery on the southern tip. [20], Later in 1911, Hood was towed to Portsmouth and listed for disposal. She lies upright. Black Hawk (Bow). BUILT AS STRATH CLASS AUXILLIARY PATROL VESSEL. This 200 bucket dredger was used as a mine sweeper and was sunk by a mine in 1917. The areas most popular drift dive which offers plenty of activities for divers at all levels, including scalloping and sea life identification. Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. Maximum depth is about 6 to 7 metres depending on the state of the tide. [25], The Ministry of Defence continued to invest in HMNB Portland until the late 1980s; however in 1991 the closure was announced of both the naval base and the research establishments on Portland as part of defence spending cuts following the end of the Cold War. At the same time the above-water torpedo tubes were removed. This 80 MFV was last heard of in 1974 and all crew were lost. The restricted water exchange leads to elevated water temperatures which accounts for the presence of several marine species beyond the typical northern limits of their range. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". This 1300 ton armed merchant steamship was torpedoed by a German U boat and sank in 1918 while carrying railway lines. by (club) or (commercial) dive boats with launching possible from various points including Portland Marina and a free slipway at Castletown.? The liberation of Europe in 1945 was marked by a local ceremony in August that year, with the American Ambassador John D. Winant unveiling a stone in Victoria Gardens commemorating the harbour's efforts. However at 03:45 on the 4 th November 1979 she took on too much water and sank 5 miles south of St Aldhelm's Head, still 12 miles from the safety of Portland. She differed from the other ships of the class in that she had cylindrical gun turrets instead of barbettes and a lower freeboard. Picking up and dropping off at Castletown Jetty just minutes away from all the harbour wrecks is Dive Beyond operating two diving RIBS with ladders. However at 03:45 on the 4 th November 1979 she took on too much water and sank 5 miles south of St Aldhelm's Head, still 12 miles from the safety of Portland. WebA significant number of UB-40s sinkings were in Dorset waters, including the LH Carl, sunk on the same day. This WWII destroyer is a war grave and was lost to German aircraft torpedo attack in June 1944 with 150 souls on board. as well as the dozens of hermit and spider crabs. It is badly broken up with large pieces of machinery present and lying in a rock shingle sea bed. SS PATROCLUS SALVAGE OPERATION 1907. [11], In 1897 one of these 3-pounder guns was mounted on each turret top and, three years later, the 3-pounders in the fighting tops were transferred to the forward superstructure. A 6127 ton French liner which was torpedoed by a German E boat in 1940. She measures 182 by 19 and was subnk with depth charges dropped off the yacht Lorna. Aside from the East Weare Battery, and other related constructions, there are a number of defences built within the harbour's dockyard and surrounding area. WebDONATE. AN ACCOUNT OF THIS WRECK CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. SHORE: Chesil Cove (day and night), the Adelaide & Nor (day), Newtons Cove (night). Easily accessibly via Dive Boats shuttling out of Portland Marina and Castletown these wrecks are shallower than 20m and can be dived on all state of tides. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The Dredger lies right outside of Portland Harbour within the sheltered bay of Balaclava (in front of the large winch). They were removed in 1904. ONLY THE THREE MASTS WERE SAVED. If youre looking for local, recreational diving, whether it be wrecks, reefs or drift, check out the. It is a must-do for any new visitor to Portland and a dive we regularly repeat ourselves over the season. WebFate: Sunk 04 November 1914 as a blockship for southern entrance to Portland Harbour, designed to stop U-boats entering or firing torpedoes into Channel Fleet anchorage. Boats shuttle out and in for harbour dives allowing you to rest, de-gas and fill up in between dives. This 1154 iron sailing ship collided with the Forrest before sinking. In recent years the number of cruise ship calls have increased at the port. With a long maritime history, the Portland coastline and harbour has seen many kinds of ships sail through its waters. The armoured deck was 3 inches thick over the machinery, but thinned to 2.5 inches (64mm) outside the central citadel and ran to the ends of the ship. Mantle is buried in Portland's Royal Naval Cemetery, which overlooks the harbour. This German submarine was sunk in October 1917 and lies on a north to south line, with a hole in her port side and a list to starboard. The small landing craft lies beside the Breakwater wall and is almost completely intact with its landing doors closed. Another good resource of dive site information can be found at the Dive Beyond Dive Sites page travelling from Castletown beach using RHIBs. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. [32] In 1940-41, the Portland Naval Communication Headquarters was constructed, built into the hillside at the rear of the dockyard. British steamship, torpedoed and sunk July 1917, fifteen miles SW of Portland Bill. She stands 6 metres high in some places. Dropping off a boat to the left of the Hood exit from Portland harbour in outgoing tide will carry divers across a seabed scattered with shells, crabs and during the summer months much exotic sea life including a variety of nudibranches. JAMES FENNELL SS. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. This 3000 ton Spanish steamship dragged her anchor in a Force 9 gale in December 1900 and was grounded on the rocks close to the Breakwater where she slipped and eventually sank. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. Commercial activities on the water include specialist diving services for vessels and repairs & maintenance as well as a bunkering (fuelling) station. ALTHOUGH FLOATED OFF THE BREAKWATER IN 1901 IT WAS EVENTUALLY WRECKED OFF THE ORKNEY ISLES ON 21st FEBRUARY 1906. [11] As a measure against submarine attack, the battleship HMS Hood was scuttled across the harbour's southern entrance in 1914. [54] It is Grade II Listed. This was intended to allow them to reach a speed of 17.5 knots (32.4km/h; 20.1mph). [7], Hood had an overall length of 410feet 6inches (125.1m), a beam of 75 feet (22.9m), and a draught of 28feet 6inches (8.7m) at deep load. The liberation of Europe in 1945 was marked by a local ceremony in August that year, with the American Ambassador John D. Winant unveiling a stone in Victoria Gardens commemorating the harbour's efforts. Project Baseline is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 88-0481587) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. January 2014 issue of Diver magazine by John Liddiard and Max Ellis. Her highest point is 7 metres above the seabed. DUTCH STEAMSHIP GT2035 . SHE BECAME A TOTAL LOSS. AN ACCOUNT OF THIS WRECK CAN BE READ BY CLICKING. read more Shore Diving Portland offers one of the best shore on the South Coast with Chesil Cove being the highlight for many pleasurable scenic dives full of marine life. In February 1958 it was announced in Parliament by the First Lord of the Admiralty that Portland Dockyard was to close the following year (though the naval base would be retained). Her crew numbered 690 officers and ratings. [8], The ship was powered by two 3-cylinder vertical triple-expansion steam engines, each driving one propeller. [8] During 1848, HM Prison Portland was established to provide convict labour to quarry the stone needed to construct the breakwaters and the harbour defences. Websince 2010 for the Portland Harbor site, to evaluate natural resource injuries incurred over time in areas contaminated with hazardous substances (such as DDT, PCBs, and others), and oil. SUBMARINE M2. a naturalist trail beside the rocks it rests against. FOST was relocated to Devonport. Declared a total loss in April 1945. [37] The AUWE later became infamous for espionage infiltration, known as the Portland Spy Ring.[38]. [24] Onshore amenities included a range of storehouses, workshops and office buildings. Formerly the Marie this iron wreck ship was sunk by a German submarine in May 1917. The 6-inch gun was removed in 1924 and in 1934 two 12-pounder guns were transferred across from the recently decommissioned B Pier Head. The Countess has three holds that are open on either side, a number of attractions from a large rudder to ladders and even a toilet bowl! SS PREVEZA RAN ASHORE ON CHESIL BEACH 15TH JAN 1920. This article is about the harbour in England. Project Baseline is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 88-0481587) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. [20] In 1905, the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse was erected on the southern end of northeast breakwater, where it continues to operate today.[21]. A 3081 ton steamship that was sunk in January 1918 by a German U-boat while carrying military stores, cattle fodder and military vehicles. Portland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. Slack water is +1/2 hours HW Portland or -4 Hours HW Portland. Royal Sovereign-class battleship of the Royal Navy scuttled in Portland Harbour, Shipwrecks and maritime incidents in 1902, Shipwrecks and maritime incidents in November 1914, Modern naval gun turrets are essentially a barbette enclosed by a rotating gunhouse, a very different concept from the older style of turret that, The completely enclosed armoured shields around the turrets were known as barbettes for some years after their introduction, but they werent barbettes as we know them today, "Conserved HMS Hood Bell Rings Out 75th Anniversary of Largest Ever Royal Navy Loss", List of pre-dreadnought battleships of the Royal Navy, Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, Bullhead Point Historical and Archeological District, Maritime Heritage Trail Battle of Saipan, List of shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai001905545/, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=HMS_Hood_(1891)&oldid=1148381342, Victorian-era battleships of the United Kingdom, World War I shipwrecks in the English Channel, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 5 April 2023, at 20:57. Portland Harbour is home to several sites for wreck-dives, and STUART PHILPOTT never tires of exploring one of the most popular. [2] The Royal Sovereigns had reverted to a higher freeboard after several classes of low-freeboard vessel had been constructed, the last being the Trafalgar class. She is broken up and difficult to locate. The M2 is not far west round the Bill, is about 300 and all hands were lost on her when she sunk in January 1932. [69] A World War II battery observation post survives. This site is right inside of the harbour close to the Hood entrance and can offer an excitingly good drift dive but in poor visibility and weather conditions, must be done with a torch. A fine modern and recent wreck lying off St Albans Head. The most popular entrance and the one recommended by the local Council, however, is using the slipway, walking straight down to the shore and swimming out. Tidal flow within the Harbour is generally anti-clockwise, sweeping away from the Fleet, through the Port area and through the South Ship Channel. [15] On Weymouth's side of the harbour, the Nothe Fort was built at the end of the Nothe Peninsula, and completed in 1872. This is a British MFV that sank while being towed to Poole and is now pretty much broken up. This small 127 ton ton motor stands 3 to 4 metres high in some areas and was carrying China clay when she sank after hitting an obstruction in September 1930. [6], After the war, in 1946, ten Phoenix caissons of the Mulberry Harbour were towed back to Portland, eight of which were later given to the Netherlands to repair storm breaches in the dykes in 1953. [34], During both World War I and II, the bay was filled with neutral ships at anchor waiting to be searched for materials that might be useful to the enemy. It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. There are items of unexploded ammunition on her including depth charges. [30] Its facilities included laboratories and workshops, a large water tank for conducting experiments and an inshore testing site for trials of ASDIC on the inner breakwater (by the late 1930s over 200 civilians were employed in Osprey's ASDIC Research and Development Unit (ARDU)). [6] Bilge keels were fitted in 1894 which improved her manoeuvrability. From there you can either follow the line or the breakwater wall (keeping at your left) to the Bombardon Unit. She stands about 13 metres throughout with her bows to the South and stern to the North. In 1944 emplacements were constructed to replace the 12-pounder guns with 6-pounders. This 380 battleship is upside down (turtle) and can be a very interesting dive. A DETAILED REPORT ON THIS ACCIDENT CAN BE READ BY CLICKING, A DETAILED HISTORY OF THIS SHIP AND ITS MISHAPS CAN BE READ BY CLICKING, SS PREVEZA RAN ASHORE ON CHESIL BEACH 15TH JAN 1920. Like her sisters, the ship was fitted with seven 18-inch torpedo tubes. ALL THE CREW WERE SAVED. This 4500 ton Greek steamship was mined in November 1939 during its voyage to Antwerp. Aside from the training of Royal Navy ships, many ships of NATO countries also trained and frequented at the harbour. The port also sees various cruise ship calls bringing visitors to the Dorset area. In the 20th century, Portland became increasingly renowned for its training and research facilities. SUNK BY COLLISION WITH A TORPEDO DESTROYER IN PORTLAND ROADS. For a great review and drawing of the Landing Craft and Bombardon Unit, dont miss the article in the January 2014 issue of Diver magazine by John Liddiard and Max Ellis. bournemouth. She now lies in two parts on a shingle sea bed. STEAM TRAWLER B2 "TURENNE". One of the most popular boat dives from Portland this submarine is an official War Grave. This 1274 British armed steamship measures 230 by 34 and was torbedoed and sunk by a German submarine in October 1917. Measuring 200 in length it was partly salvaged. The inner breakwater, with its jetty, former victualling store and Inner Pierhead Fort, are Grade II Listed. [9], The ship was armed with four 32-calibre BL 13.5-inch Mk IIV guns in two twin gun turrets, one fore and aft of the superstructure. [11] Part of the Falklands War task force sailed from Portland in 1982. She was built in the early 1880s and the conversion took place 1889. LAY RIGHT ACROSS THE PORTLAND SEWER OUTFALL WHICH WAS SMASHED. [6], Over time, Portland was successively the base for the Channel and Home Fleets, as well as part of the Reserve Fleet, and it also served as a depot for submarines. [83] Another coast artillery searchlight was situated further south of this. SMB Required. Her waterline main belt ranged in thickness between 14 to 18 inches (356 to 457mm) thick. ARMED WITH A 12 POUNDER GUN. Entering at the end of the promenade and walking down the stairs to the beach, on the other hand, should take divers to a defunct old sewage pipeline which still attracts much sea life provided they take a bearing of 270 degrees. Hood also mounted a dozen QF 3-pounder Hotchkiss guns mounted in the superstructure and fighting tops. ALL 160 PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED. The wreck is well scattered with intact bows. [9] Known as the Admiralty Quarries, they provided 10,000 tons of stone per week. Dutch steamship of 6800 tons mined and sunk in 1939 just East of the adamant shoal, approximately 500 long. [29], In 1917 the RNAS seaplane base at Portland was commissioned as HMS Sarepta. This low freeboard meant that Hood was very wet in rough weather and her maximum speed reduced rapidly as the wave height increased, making her only suitable for service in the relatively calm Mediterranean. Shes a Greek registered bulk freighter of 14,000 tons and lies on a limestone sea bed on her port side. Webmore pictures and details of portland shipwrecks can be found here. 25-32m RANGE: M2 submarine, Aeolian Sky, Binnedijk, Alex Van Opstel, St. Dunstan. The top is in 36 metres of water. In the past this wreck was called both the HMS Hazard and the HMS Bittern. The sea bed, heavily silted, is littered with bottles, cups and plates with other oddities. [73] On the far end of the North Eastern Breakwater, on the Weymouth side, is the site of B Pier Head Battery. This 6010 ton ship was launched in 1870 named Invincible and operated for some time as the Erebus. Divers are advised to watch their depth as the area has a number of drop-offs. A NORWEGIAN BARQUE (GRIMSTAD) GT 607. On descending, follow the wall down until you reach the gravel and sandy bottom at about 18 metres.
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